Step Into North Dakota’s Spookiest Footpath At Fairview Bridge And Tunnel
In the far reaches of western North Dakota, a forgotten path threads its way across a silent river and through a shadowy tunnel.
It’s the kind of place that makes you glance over your shoulder, alone, or not.
Locals hardly mention it, but the Fairview Lift Bridge and the nearby Cartwright Tunnel have quietly earned a reputation as one of the eeriest walks in the state.
1. A Tiny Town With Big Secrets
Cartwright may barely register on a map, but for thrill-seekers and history buffs, it’s a hidden destination. This small, almost-empty town hides a long-abandoned railroad bridge and a tunnel that have stood for over a century.
They’re relics of a time when the rails were lifelines across North Dakota. Their quiet decay now casts an unexpectedly spooky charm, drawing curious visitors who whisper about what might lurk in the shadows.
Few realize this forgotten corner of the state holds such fascinating industrial ruins, making each visit feel like discovering a secret North Dakota has kept hidden for generations.
2. Crossing the Bridge
Access couldn’t be simpler for anyone ready for an adventure. Park near Sundheim Park along State Route 200, follow the trail, and suddenly the massive bridge towers above you like a steel giant.
Built in 1913, the Fairview Lift Bridge carried trains until the 1980s, its metal framework now silent except for the wind. The thrill of walking where locomotives once thundered is undeniable.
Standing midway across, you’re suspended between past and present. Many visitors report a strange sensation, a feeling of being watched by unseen eyes as they cross the weathered planks that stretch eerily into the distance.
3. Into the Cartwright Tunnel
The tunnel mouth gapes like a dark portal to another time. Stretching nearly 1,500 feet through solid earth, this concrete passage was carved by hand over a century ago.
Bringing a flashlight reveals century-old construction techniques, rough-hewn walls bearing the marks of picks and shovels wielded by forgotten workers. The temperature drops noticeably as you venture deeper, and sounds behave strangely, echoing and distorting.
Many visitors report an overwhelming sense of being followed. Your footsteps create rhythmic echoes that seem to multiply, as if others walk beside you through this time capsule where daylight barely penetrates the curved interior.
4. Legends Linger
J.C. Collins never intended to become part of Cartwright’s ghostly reputation. This outlaw from 1913 reportedly met a violent end near the bridge, and locals swear his restless spirit remains.
Visitors sometimes claim to hear unexplained footsteps following them through the tunnel, only to turn and find nobody there. Others report sudden cold spots or the sensation of being watched by invisible eyes.
One frequent phenomenon involves strange whispers that seem to float on the still air inside the tunnel. Whether these are acoustic tricks or something more supernatural remains debatable, but they’ve convinced many skeptics that something unusual haunts this forgotten passageway.
5. When Nature Reclaims History
Mother Nature works tirelessly to reclaim this human-made intrusion. Wildflowers push through cracks in the concrete near the tunnel entrances, creating an unexpected beauty against the industrial backdrop.
Hawks often nest in the bridge’s steel framework, their cries adding an eerie soundtrack to your exploration. The surrounding cottonwood trees whisper with the slightest breeze, their leaves creating dancing shadows across the path.
During spring floods, the Yellowstone River surges below, a reminder of the natural forces that will eventually win this tug-of-war with human engineering. This constant battle between nature and structure adds to the site’s haunting appeal, a place suspended between existence and gradual disappearance.
6. Tips For Brave Explorers
Flashlights aren’t optional, they’re essential. The tunnel’s interior becomes pitch black beyond the entrances, and your phone light won’t cut it for the full journey.
Wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Years of weathering have left uneven surfaces throughout the path. Summer visits bring unexpected wildlife: snakes sometimes sun themselves on the warm concrete, while bats may roost in the tunnel’s ceiling crevices.
Bring water and tell someone where you’re headed. Cell service is spotty at best. The remoteness that adds to the spooky charm also means you’re truly on your own if problems arise. Most importantly, respect this historical site, take only photos, leave only footprints.
7. The Best Times To Experience The Haunt
Fall creates the perfect backdrop for ghost hunting. October’s crisp air and golden cottonwood leaves transform the site into a Halloween-worthy setting without the need for decorations.
Sunset visits offer dramatic lighting as the bridge’s shadow stretches across the river. The tunnel becomes particularly atmospheric as darkness falls, with even brave visitors speaking in hushed tones.
Brave souls might attempt a full moon expedition when the silvery light creates strange patterns through the bridge framework. Winter visits are possible but challenging: snow drifts can block the tunnel entrances, and ice makes the bridge treacherous. The absolute silence of a snow-covered landscape amplifies every unexplained sound.
